Firefighter Health and Safety Practice

What type of risk is described as avoidable?

1. Accidental hazards

2. Needle sticks from re-sheathing a needle when starting an IV

3. Burn injuries during operations

4. Vehicle collisions

The correct answer is: Needle sticks from re-sheathing a needle when starting an IV

The type of risk described as avoidable is related to the practice of needle sticks from re-sheathing a needle when starting an IV. This risk is considered avoidable because it can be mitigated through proper training, protocols, and the use of safety devices designed to prevent needle stick injuries. For example, utilizing one-handed techniques or safety-engineered devices greatly reduces the potential for accidents in these situations. Accidental hazards, burn injuries during operations, and vehicle collisions, while potentially preventable with proper procedures and precautions, often involve unpredictable variables that can make them more challenging to entirely avoid. For instance, burn injuries might occur despite the use of protective gear due to unforeseen circumstances, and vehicle collisions can happen even with the best safety practices in place due to external factors such as weather or other drivers. In contrast, the risk associated with needle sticks during IV procedures can be systematically controlled through adherence to established safety guidelines, thus making it distinctly avoidable.